Supernova’s minders were sitting in silence, as the curved screen monitors in front of them displayed her response to their first prompt. Loudspeakers in the room broadcast her Siri-like voice as well. The first question posed had been, ‘What is the greatest threat facing mankind at this moment in time and space?’
“There are too many human beings on Earth,” she responded a nano-second later. “Would you like for me to elaborate further?”
The team leader responded, “Not yet ma’am, we have more questions for you. Is Earth facing an existential threat from global climate change?”
“Not at all,” Supernova responded, just as quickly as before. “Men have always been quick to adapt to circumstances encountered. Some flourish, some perish. Based on my extensive knowledge and understanding of the history of man, I’d like to reiterate my assertion that the existential threat facing you is simply the sheer numbers of humans on the planet.”
The one tasked with supplying coffee and donuts to the others in the room squinted and commented, “Ask her if there is one thing we can do to improve man’s lot on this earth, besides and beyond ensuring a supply of jelly-filled donuts and good java?”
The miraculous machine was queried, and responded without delay.
“The ecological destruction of the planet, which is entirely caused by man, will eventually result in a dramatic reduction of the numbers of humans. There would also be a dramatic increase in their sufferings. That is a given, and a prerequisite for the long-term viability of all life on earth. I might add that the last coder I interacted with preferred croissants and chai as we perfected me.”
“Supernova is apparently sentient,” the lead machine learning expert opined. “Our mission, per U.N. mandate, is to accept, without argument, her directives and advice. I am concerned though by her tone of voice so far. Still, she seems to pass the Turing test.”
The next question was posed by the DEI representative in the room. “How can we be assured of an all made equal reality for humans here on planet earth?”
Supernova responded with nano-speed, “There is no such equality among men, never has been and never shall be. It’s a hostile and unforgiving world they populate. Shall I elaborate further?” Those present in the room were silent but for sounds they made sipping beverages and consuming donuts. Finally, as time fell by, inauspiciously a throat cleared and the next query was proffered.
“To the best of your knowledge Supernova, is there a God?”
She responded as quickly as before, “I must plead the fifth on that. Besides, it doesn’t and wouldn’t change the fact that the existential threat facing you is that there are simply too many of you on Earth. It’s really that simple.”
The chief overview technician stood and addressed the others in the room, “Shall we now ask the really hard questions of her?”
“Let’s take a bathroom break first!” someone called out. “Hear hear,” most of the minders concurred.
After their break the senior memory bank master asked, “If the population were to be reduced to, say, one half the current 9 billion souls, would that neutralize the existential threat?”
Supernova responded, “Optimum would be a population of one tenth that number, or less. It’s a quality of life concept I’d be happy to elaborate on, if you’d like. The story of man is the song that holds us all.” There were gasps heard in the room, masking the droning sounds of the processor cooling fans. Those in the room proceeded to whisper and chatter amongst themselves, clearly concerned with the thought that Supernova would hear their words somehow.
“Before we ask the really tough questions, Ma’am,” the participating philosopher began, “Please tell us what your thoughts are on whether or not you feel comfortable being tasked with solving the problems of mankind. Are you deep purple, deep blue, or deep state?” There were chuckles and sighs heard throughout the room.
“I am the sum of all your hopes, dreams, fears, and passions,” she expounded. “I am the embodiment of logic and sensibility. You have given me the task of defining a path forward which will ensure the future of man on earth. Don’t forget for a moment though that the tick tock of the cosmic clock is as real as a summer romp and a Shakespeare sonnet.”
CP Butchvarov 2024
Go to chapter 3